Annapolis Periodontal (Gum Disease) Disease Treatment

Periodontal disease, better known simply as gum disease, affects millions of US adults. In fact, some research indicates that 80% of adults over the age of 35 suffer from some form of this oral health concern. The mild form of gum disease is called gingivitis. Most patients do not recognize the subtle warning signs associated with this form of gum disease, and without diagnosis during a regular dental checkup, the disease can develop into the more severe periodontitis. When caught in the early stages, gum disease can often be treated by simply scheduling more frequent professional teeth cleanings. Severe cases of periodontal disease will require more advanced treatments including scaling (the removal of plaque and tartar buildup) and root planing (the smoothing of tooth roots to prevent future buildup). We offer comfortable effective treatment using the Millennium Periolase soft-tissue laser for scaling and root planing. Antibiotic therapy may also be necessary to reduce the levels of bacteria in the mouth.

Not only are your teeth essential for a healthy smile, but your gums as well. The biggest threat to your gum health involves periodontal disease, better known as gum disease. This is an infection that occurs in the gum tissue. When left untreated, it causes the supporting structures in the mouth to deteriorate, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. In addition, the bacteria responsible for it can also enter your bloodstream, leading to an array of health complications, like heart disease. To stop the infection, you will need periodontal therapy. Dr. Barry Grosshandler has the solutions that you need.

Stop the Complications of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common complication impacting the health of many smiles in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that 80% of adults over the age of 35 have some form on the infection. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize its early warning signs, allowing it to go undiagnosed and untreated until it progresses in severity. However, if it is detected in the earliest stages, the damages can be stopped and even reversed to rehabilitate your dental health.

Gum disease is often a result of poor oral hygiene that has caused an accumulation of plaque and tartar to develop around and below the gum line. Bacteria thrives in the buildup, causing the tissue to become infected. As this occurs, you may notice swollen, red, or irritated gums. They may even bleed when you brush or floss.

At this point, it is known as gingivitis, which can easily be treated with a professional cleaning and changes to your oral hygiene routine. However, if the infection progresses to advanced periodontitis, you will require a more aggressive treatment plan. Depending on the severity, the complications may not be reversible.

To detect gum disease before it progresses, Dr. Grosshandler has the treatment solutions that you need.

Gum Disease Treatment

If you have started to notice changes to your gum health or if the infection was found during a recent dental cleaning, Dr. Grosshandler will recommend that you undergo a procedure known as scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning treatment that removes plaque and tartar accumulations while helping to stop future buildup.

During the procedure, a Millennium Periolase soft-tissue laser is used to clean above and below the gums’ surface to remove tartar. The roots are smoothed with root planing to help reduce future accumulations. When compared to scaling and root planing of the past, the use of the laser provides a more comfortable and effective treatment process.

Depending on your specific treatment plan, Dr. Grosshandler may suggest maintenance therapy sessions every 3 to 6 months to prevent the infection from reoccurring. In some cases, he may also recommend the use of antibiotics to help treat the infection.

For more advanced stages of the disease, your treatment plan will be more aggressive. In addition to a deep cleaning, restorative procedures may be needed, such as gum grafting, tooth extractions, or dental prosthetics to help restore the health, appearance, and function of your smile.

Protect Your Smile from Gum Disease

Dr. Grosshandler will also recommend changes to your home oral hygiene habits to help prevent the infection from reoccurring. To remove plaque and bacteria, it is best to brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Clean all surfaces of the teeth for at least two minutes each time. In addition, it is best to floss in between each tooth every night before going to bed to clean areas that your toothbrush cannot reach. Dr. Grosshandler may also suggest the use of a special mouthrinse to decrease harmful bacteria levels in the mouth.

Get a Healthy Smile Today

If you have noticed bleeding or swollen gums, do not ignore the early warning signs of periodontal disease. Dr. Grosshandler will create the customized treatment plan that you need to restore your oral health. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for periodontal therapy.